The Central American Games, currently underway in Guatemala, have witnessed historic achievements by Belizean athletes across multiple disciplines. In volleyball, both the male and female national teams have reached the semi-finals for the first time in the tournament’s history. The female team secured their spot after defeating Panama, El Salvador, and Guatemala over the weekend. Despite a tough loss to Nicaragua in the semi-finals, they are set to compete against Guatemala for the bronze medal on Tuesday. The male team, also making their semi-final debut, faced Nicaragua later in the evening. Meanwhile, Nyasha Harris made headlines by securing a silver medal in the 100-meter finals with a personal best time of 11.86 seconds. In an interview, Harris expressed her excitement and shock at achieving her goal of breaking the 12-second barrier. Belize also saw success in swimming, with Davia Richardson placing second in the 400-meter freestyle. Other sports like cycling, softball, judo, and fencing also featured Belizean athletes. On the local sports scene, the Williams Dawson Sprite/Digi Basketball Tournament continued its second week with intense matches. Boulevard Ballers defeated Survivors 47-38, while Western Paradise narrowly overcame Tuff E Nuff 50-45. Later, Tuff E Nuff redeemed themselves by winning the Kevin Bernard Basketball Tournament Finals in Orange Walk, defeating Hammer Boyz 62-53. These performances highlight Belize’s growing presence in regional and local sports.
标签： Belize
伯利兹
-
San Felipe Fire Exposes How the System Failed to Protect a Woman and Child
A devastating house fire in San Felipe Village, Orange Walk, has exposed critical systemic failures, resulting in the tragic deaths of thirty-five-year-old Angelita Magaña and her six-year-old son, Tishan Godoy. The incident occurred in the early hours of October 20, 2025, and has since sparked widespread concern over the effectiveness of protective measures for vulnerable individuals.
Police have detained Francisco Godoy, a man with a history of violence against Magaña, in connection with the fire. Assistant Superintendent of Police Stacy Smith reported that officers arrived to find the house fully engulfed in flames. Three individuals, including Godoy, were found with varying degrees of burns. The bodies of Magaña and her son were discovered after the fire was extinguished.
Neighbors recounted the rapid spread of the flames and expressed frustration over the delayed response of fire personnel, who took over an hour to arrive. Smith revealed that Godoy had recently been released from custody after pleading guilty to harming Magaña. Despite Magaña’s attempt to secure a restraining order on Friday, the courthouse’s operational hours prevented her from obtaining the necessary protection.
Smith highlighted a significant gap in the judicial process, noting that Godoy’s remand for a separate incident may have delayed the revocation of his bail. ‘The situation at hand created a window for him, and he took advantage of it,’ she stated. This tragic event underscores the urgent need for systemic reforms to prevent similar failures in the future.
-
Three Killed in Separate Motorcycle Accidents, Police Renew Road Safety Warnings
In a tragic series of events, three separate motorcycle accidents have claimed the lives of four individuals across the country within a single week, prompting renewed calls for road safety vigilance. The incidents, which occurred between October 17 and October 18, 2025, have underscored the urgent need for stricter enforcement of traffic laws and enhanced public awareness campaigns. Assistant Superintendent of Police Stacy Smith revealed that the police department, in collaboration with the Ministry of Transport, has been intensifying efforts to reduce road fatalities. Smith highlighted that 1,846 arrests have been made this year for traffic violations, with 160 related to suspected drunk driving. Additionally, 40 officers are undergoing specialized training to bolster enforcement capabilities. Smith also indicated that new legislation is under consideration, which may introduce harsher penalties and criminal sentences for traffic offenses. The victims of the recent accidents include 18-year-old Jonni Cano, 25-year-old Derrel Montero, and 32-year-old Maritzo Cho, along with 30-year-old Herald Ack. These tragic losses have reignited discussions on the effectiveness of current laws in deterring reckless driving behaviors.
-
Senators Debate Government’s $256 Million Fortis Buyout
A heated debate unfolded in the Belizean Senate on October 20, 2025, as lawmakers deliberated the government’s proposed $256 million acquisition of Fortis’s operations in Belize, including its 33% stake in Belize Electricity Limited (BEL). The discussion highlighted divergent perspectives on the economic, environmental, and social implications of the landmark energy deal. Senator Louis Wade, representing the Churches, voiced environmental concerns about the dams, labeling them costly and not environmentally friendly. However, he emphasized the importance of Belizean ownership of national assets, suggesting that citizens should have the opportunity to invest directly. ‘Government shouldn’t own everything,’ he remarked, advocating for public participation in the acquisition. UDP Senator Sheena Pitts raised critical questions about accessibility, questioning whether average Belizeans could afford to purchase shares in BEL given the current economic climate. ‘At a time of inflation and high living costs, which Belizean has disposable income to invest?’ she asked, highlighting broader concerns about economic inequality. Senator Eamon Courtenay, from the governing party, defended the structural integrity of the dams, asserting that they are in good operational condition and require only minor repairs. His comments aimed to reassure the public about the viability of the assets. Senator Janelle Chanona, representing non-governmental organizations and a BEL board member, addressed misconceptions about electricity rates, stating that Belize’s energy costs are not as high as perceived. Meanwhile, Opposition Senator Patrick Faber criticized the rushed legislative process, accusing the government of failing to incorporate stakeholder feedback. ‘Consultation doesn’t mean just informing people; it means listening to them,’ he argued, underscoring concerns about transparency and inclusivity. The debate underscores the complexity of the Fortis acquisition, balancing national interests, environmental considerations, and public accessibility.
-
Bus Driver Served Notice after Fatal Belmopan Collision
A tragic traffic accident in Belmopan has led to the death of 18-year-old Jonni Cano, a student from the Stann Creek District, and left another student, Jamin Patt, hospitalized. The incident occurred on October 16 at approximately 5:20 p.m. at the intersection of Saint Jude and Saint Matthews Streets in the San Martin area. A Westline bus collided with a Skygo motorcycle carrying the two students, ejecting both from the vehicle. While Cano succumbed to his injuries at the Western Regional Hospital, Patt is reported to be in stable condition. Assistant Superintendent of Police Stacy Smith stated that no alcohol testing has been conducted, but video footage of the crash has been recovered to aid the investigation. Jonathan Estrada, a 23-year-old bus driver from San Ignacio Town, has been issued a Notice of Intended Prosecution as the investigation continues.
-
The Mysterious Murder of a Cayo Man
Authorities in Cayo are actively investigating the tragic death of 42-year-old Shawn Hertular, who was discovered with severe head injuries in Santa Elena early Sunday morning, October 20, 2025. The incident was reported at approximately 3:30 a.m., and Hertular was rushed to San Ignacio Hospital for urgent medical attention. Despite efforts to save him, he succumbed to his injuries. A postmortem examination revealed that Hertular died from a gunshot wound, prompting police to reclassify the case as a homicide investigation. Assistant Superintendent of Police Stacy Smith confirmed that investigators have identified a person of interest and are actively pursuing leads. The community remains on edge as law enforcement continues its efforts to bring clarity and justice to this unsettling case.
-
Ministry Extends Condolences After Fatal Orange Walk Fire
The Ministry of the Public Service, Governance, and Disaster Risk Management has extended its heartfelt condolences to the family of Ms. Angelita Magaña and her six-year-old son, Tishan Godoy, who tragically lost their lives in a devastating house fire in the Orange Walk District on October 20, 2025. The incident, suspected to be an act of domestic violence, has left the community in shock and mourning. Angelita, a 35-year-old school employee, and her young son were unable to escape the blaze, which was allegedly set by Francisco Godoy, Angelita’s ex-common-law husband. Godoy is currently under police guard at a hospital, where he is being treated for burn injuries. Two survivors, Miguel Novelo, Angelita’s partner, and her daughter, Shadia Magaña, remain hospitalized with severe burns. The Ministry praised the swift actions of law enforcement in apprehending the suspect and commended the National Fire Service and first responders for their efforts. In its statement, the Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing fire prevention and community safety measures across Belize. The St. Michael RC School, where Angelita worked and Tishan was a student, expressed profound grief over the loss of their beloved community members. This tragic event has reignited discussions about domestic violence and the urgent need for stronger protective measures.
-
DNA Testing Comes to Belize: A Single Hair Strand Could Solve a Crime
In a groundbreaking move, Belize is set to transform its criminal justice system with the introduction of the DNA Bill 2025. Approved by the Cabinet on October 2, this legislation aims to establish a National DNA Database, a tool that promises to revolutionize crime investigations, prosecutions, and the identification of missing or unidentified persons. The bill, introduced by Minister of Home Affairs Kareem Musa, had its first reading in the House of Representatives on October 17. Musa hailed the database as an ‘extremely powerful crime-fighting tool,’ emphasizing its extensive review by local stakeholders to ensure its relevance and suitability for Belize. The National Forensic Science Service will oversee the database, managed by a designated custodian, and will include separate indexes for convicted persons, suspects, crime scenes, missing persons, relatives of missing persons, victims, volunteers, and unidentified deceased persons. The bill mandates strict safeguards to protect individuals’ privacy and dignity, ensuring that DNA samples are collected only with written consent or a court order. Unauthorized access or tampering with the database will be punishable by fines up to $30,000 or imprisonment for three years. The DNA Oversight Committee, comprising eleven members, will oversee the database’s operation, ensuring compliance with the law and maintaining data protection standards. This bill represents a significant step forward for Belize, balancing the need for public safety with the protection of individual rights.
-
Opposition Questions $256M Energy Deal: Can Belize Afford Fortis Buyout?
The Briceño Administration’s announcement of a $256 million deal to acquire Fortis’s operations in Belize has ignited a heated debate over the nation’s financial capacity to manage such a significant investment. The agreement includes Fortis’s 33% stake in Belize Electricity Limited (BEL), marking a pivotal step toward national energy control. However, the move has drawn sharp criticism from the opposition, led by Tracy Panton, who has raised serious concerns about the government’s ability to sustain the financial obligations tied to the deal. Panton highlighted recent costly repairs at key hydro facilities, including a $250,000 generator failure at the Chalillo Dam in December and additional repairs at the Mollejon Dam in June. She questioned whether Belize can afford the long-term financial burdens while ensuring reliable energy services. The deal, while ambitious, has left many questioning its feasibility and the potential impact on taxpayers.
-
Minister Garcia-Ramirez Named Global Ambassador for Inclusion
The Ministry of Human Development, Family Support and Gender Affairs in Belize has announced the nomination of Hon. Thea Garcia-Ramirez as the country’s Global Ambassador to the Global Coalition for Inclusion. The nomination was formally presented by Mr. Marshall Nuñez, Vice Chair of Special Olympics Belize, during a courtesy visit to the Minister. This prestigious recognition highlights Minister Garcia-Ramirez’s unwavering dedication to fostering inclusion, equality, and the empowerment of individuals with disabilities across Belize.